LiDAR Device Multi-Source Segmentation for Image Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems have limited image resolution due to the speed of light, restricting the number of points that can be measured within a given frame time, which affects their ability to provide high-resolution depth images.
Innovation Solution
The proposed LiDAR device employs multiple light sources emitting light beams at different radiation angles, allowing for simultaneous or near-simultaneous emission and reception, with a 2D detector array processing the signals to increase resolution by separating and analyzing the light beams based on their incident angles, enabling improved image resolution proportional to the number of light sources used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single point light source is used with sequential scanning, then the device complexity is low, but the image resolution is limited due to the speed of light constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light source into multiple light sources (first light source and second light source), each emitting light beams at different radiation angles. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-point scanning, increasing the number of measurable points within the same frame time and thereby improving image resolution without requiring sequential scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by adding multiple light sources with different radiation angles rather than simply increasing the scanning speed of a single source. This dimensional expansion (from single source to multiple sources with angular diversity) enables parallel measurement of multiple points, overcoming the speed of light limitation while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources with different radiation angles are used simultaneously, then the image resolution increases proportionally, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (first and second light sources) with different radiation angles into a single integrated LiDAR device. By merging these sources and their corresponding detection paths into one unified system, the device achieves high-resolution multi-point scanning capability while avoiding the complexity of coordinating separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional light source system where each light source serves multiple purposes: the first light source emits both first and second light beams at different angles, and the second light source similarly emits multiple beams. This universality allows a single light source to perform what would traditionally require multiple dedicated sources, reducing overall device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances image resolution and allows for more accurate object positioning and shape analysis within a given frame time, overcoming the limitations of conventional LiDAR systems by increasing the number of measurable points and improving spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
LiDAR systems use a method of measuring the time that light needs to travel back and forth (hereinafter referred to as a time of flight (TOF) method) as a basic operating principle
Implementation Method 2
The light beams may be focused on different positions depending on incident angles using an optical system
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device including a scanning optical system including a plurality of light sources and a beam steering device, the scanning optical system being configured to scan an object with a plurality of irradiation beams projected from the plurality of light sources toward the object at a plurality of irradiation angles, respectively, a light detector including a plurality of pixel regions that are configured to separately detect the plurality of irradiation beams projected toward the object at the plurality of irradiation angles and reflected from the object, and a processor configured to control the scanning optical system and the light detector, and obtain information about the object based on the plurality of irradiation beams detected by the light detector.